Occurrence and Characterization of NDM-1-Producing Shewanella spp. and Acinetobacter portensis Co-Harboring tet(X3) in a Chinese Dairy Farm. - Related Documents




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151301.0000Occurrence and Characterization of NDM-1-Producing Shewanella spp. and Acinetobacter portensis Co-Harboring tet(X3) in a Chinese Dairy Farm. Bacteria with carbapenem or tigecycline resistance have been spreading widely among humans, animals and the environment globally, being great threats to public health. However, bacteria co-carrying drug resistance genes of carbapenem and tigecycline in Shewanella and Acinetobacter species remain to be investigated. Here, we detected nine bla(NDM-1)-carrying Shewanella spp. isolates as well as three A. portensis isolates co-harboring tet(X3) and bla(NDM-1) from seventy-two samples collected from a dairy farm in China. To explore their genomic characteristic and transmission mechanism, we utilized various methods, including PCR, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, conjugation experiment, whole-genome sequencing, circular intermediate identification and bioinformatics analysis. Clonal dissemination was found among three A. portensis, of which tet(X3) and bla(NDM-1) were located on a novel non-conjugative plasmid pJNE5-X3_NDM-1 (333,311 bp), and the circular intermediate ΔISCR2-tet(X3)-bla(NDM-1) was identified. Moreover, there was another copy of tet(X3) on the chromosome of A. portensis. It was verified that bla(NDM-1) could be transferred to Escherichia coli C600 from Shewanella spp. by conjugation, and self-transmissible IncA/C(2) plasmids mediated the transmission of bla(NDM-1) in Shewanella spp. strains. Stringent surveillance was warranted to curb the transmission of such vital resistance genes.202236290080
172610.9998Molecular epidemiology and population genomics of tet(X4), bla(NDM) or mcr-1 positive Escherichia coli from migratory birds in southeast coast of China. The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria harboring tet(X4), bla(NDM) or mcr-1 posed a serious threat to public health. Wild birds, especially migratory birds, were considered as one of important transmission vectors for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) globally, however, few studies were performed on the genomic epidemiology of critical resistance genes among them. Isolates harboring tet(X4), mcr-1 or bla(NDM) from migratory birds were identified and characterized by PCR, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, conjugation assays, whole genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. A total of 14 tet(X4)-bearing E. coli, 4 bla(NDM)-bearing E. coli and 23 mcr-1-bearing E. coli isolates were recovered from 1060 fecal samples of migratory birds. All isolates were MDR bacteria and most plasmids carrying tet(X4), bla(NDM) or mcr-1 were conjugative. We first identified an E. coli of migratory bird origin carrying bla(NDM-4), which was located on a conjugative IncHI2 plasmid and embedded on a novel MDR region flanked by IS26 that could generate the circular intermediate. The emergency of E. coli isolates co-harboring mcr-1 and bla(NDM-5) in migratory birds indicated the coexistence of ARGs in migratory birds was a novel threat. This study revealed the prevalence and molecular characteristics of three important ARGs in migratory birds, provided evidence that migratory birds were potential vectors of novel resistance genes and highlighted the monitoring of ARGs in migratory birds should be strengthened to prevent the spread of ARGs in a One Health strategy.202236084501
188920.9997Widespread Dissemination of Plasmid-Mediated Tigecycline Resistance Gene tet(X4) in Enterobacterales of Porcine Origin. The emergence of the plasmid-mediated high levels of the tigecycline resistance gene has drawn worldwide attention and has posed a major threat to public health. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of the tet(X4)-positive Enterobacterales isolates collected from a pig slaughterhouse and farms. A total of 101 tigecycline resistance strains were isolated from 353 samples via a medium with tigecycline, of which 33 carried tet(X4) (9.35%, 33/353) and 2 carried tet(X6) (0.57%, 2/353). These strains belong to seven different species, with Escherichia coli being the main host bacteria. Importantly, this report is the first one to demonstrate that tet(X4) was observed in Morganella morganii. Whole-genome sequencing results revealed that tet(X4)-positive bacteria can coexist with other resistance genes, such as bla(NDM-1) and cfr. Additionally, we were the first to report that tet(X4) and bla(NDM-1) coexist in a Klebsiella quasipneumoniae strain. The phylogenetic tree of 533 tet(X4)-positive E. coli strains was constructed using 509 strains from the NCBI genome assembly database and 24 strains from this study, which arose from 8 sources and belonged to 135 sequence types (STs) worldwide. We used Nanopore sequencing to interpret the selected 21 nonclonal and representative strains and observed that 19 tet(X4)-harboring plasmids were classified into 8 replicon types, and 2 tet(X6) genes were located on integrating conjugative elements. A total of 68.42% of plasmids carrying tet(X4) were transferred successfully with a conjugation frequency of 10(-2) to 10(-7). These findings highlight that diverse plasmids drive the widespread dissemination of the tigecycline resistance gene tet(X4) in Enterobacterales of porcine origin. IMPORTANCE Tigecycline is considered to be the last resort of defense against diseases caused by broad-spectrum resistant Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, we systematically analyzed the prevalence and genetic environments of the resistance gene tet(X4) in a pig slaughterhouse and farms and the evolutionary relationship of 533 tet(X4)-positive Escherichia coli strains, including 509 tet(X4)-positive E. coli strains selected from the 27,802 assembled genomes of E. coli from the NCBI between 2002 and 2022. The drug resistance of tigecycline is widely prevalent in pig farms where tetracycline is used as a veterinary drug. This prevalence suggests that pigs are a large reservoir of tet(X4) and that tet(X4) can spread horizontally through the food chain via mobile genetic elements. Furthermore, tetracycline resistance may drive tigecycline resistance through some mechanisms. Therefore, it is important to monitor tigecycline resistance, develop effective control measures, and focus on tetracycline use in the pig farms.202236125305
172730.9997Coexistence and genomics characterization of mcr-1 and extended-spectrum-β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli, an emerging extensively drug-resistant bacteria from sheep in China. The emergence of pathogens harboring multiple resistance genes poses a great threat to global public health. However, the coexistence of mobile resistance genes that provide resistance to both third-generation cephalosporins and colistin in sheep-origin Escherichia coli has not been previously investigated in China. This study is the first to characterize five E. coli isolates from sheep in Shaanxi province that harbor both Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL) and mcr-1 resistance genes. The isolates were identified and characterized by Illumina sequencing, nanopore sequencing, bioinformatic analysis, conjugation experiments, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Genetic analysis revealed that bla(CTX-M-55) gene, mediated by the IS26, was located on the IncFIB-IncFIC plasmid, while the mcr-1 gene was located on the IncI2(Delta) plasmid. Notably, two copies of bla(CTX-M-55) gene were also identified on the chromosome of one isolate (SX45), facilitated by the ISEcp1 insertion sequence. Additionally, the plasmid pSX23-2 was identified as a complex plasmid derived through homologous recombination of pMG337 from E. coli (MK878890) and pZY-1 from Citrobacter freundii (CP055248). Data mining of publicly available databases revealed that isolates carrying both bla(CTX-M-55) and mcr-1 genes have been found in humans, animals, and the environment, indicating the widespread presence of these critical resistance genes across different niches. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that the five isolates were resistant to a nearly all tested antibiotics, except meropenem. Conjugative transfer experiments demonstrated that the IncFIB-IncFIC and IncI2(Delta) plasmids carrying mcr-1 and bla(CTX-M-55) were capable of transferring between different sequence types (STs) of sheep-origin E. coli, including ST10, ST162, and ST457. This finding suggests the potential for wide dissemination of these resistance markers among diverse E. coli strains. Overall, the characterization of these ESBL and mcr-1 co-harboring isolates enhances our understanding of the spread of these resistance genes in sheep-origin E. coli. Global surveillance of these isolates, particularly within the One Health framework, is essential to monitor and mitigate the risks posed by the dissemination of these resistance genes across various settings.202439426540
189040.9997Emergence and Characterization of Tigecycline Resistance Gene tet(X4) in ST609 Escherichia coli Isolates from Wastewater in Turkey. Emergence of pathogens harboring tigecycline resistance genes incurs great concerns. Wastewater is recognized as the important reservoir of antimicrobial resistance genes. Here we characterized the phenotypes and genotypes of bacteria carrying tet(X4) from wastewater in Turkey for the first time. Four tet(X4)-positive Escherichia coli isolates were identified and characterized by PCR, Sanger sequencing, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, conjugation assays, Illumina sequencing, nanopore sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. Four tet(X4)-harboring isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria and the tet(X4) gene was nontransferable in four isolates. Genetic analysis revealed that tet(X4) genes in four isolates were located on plasmids co-harboring two replicons IncFIA(HI1) and IncFIB(K). However, none of the four plasmids carried genes associated with horizontal transfer of plasmids. The coexistence of bla(SHV-12)-bearing IncX3-type plasmid and tet(X4)-harboring plasmid was also found in one isolate. These findings indicate that continuous surveillance of the tet(X4)-bearing isolates in different environments worldwide should be strengthened. IMPORTANCE The emergence of tigecycline resistance genes in humans and animals in China seriously threatens the clinical utility of tigecycline, but the molecular epidemiology of tigecycline-resistant bacteria in other countries remained largely unknown. Therefore, it is necessary to learn the prevalence and molecular characteristics of bacteria carrying tigecycline resistance genes, particularly the mobilizable tet(X4), in other countries. In the study, we first described the presence and molecular characteristics of the tet(X4)-positive E. coli isolates from wastewater in Turkey. Four tet(X4)-bearing isolates belonged to ST609, an E. coli clone commonly found from humans, animals and the environment. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring the tet(X4) gene in different settings globally.202235863037
173150.9997Prevalence of Colistin Resistance in Escherichia coli in Eastern Turkey and Genomic Characterization of an mcr-1 Positive Strain from Retail Chicken Meat. Colistin is one of the most effective antibiotics against multidrug resistant Gram-negative bacteria. However, the recent emergence of plasmid-borne mobilized colistin resistance (mcr) genes is considered a serious antimicrobial resistance challenge worldwide. In this study, we report detection of an mcr-1 carrying Escherichia coli isolate (named ATAVET mcr-1 Turkey) from retail raw chicken meat in Turkey. Of the 11 (from 500 total tested) phenotypically colistin-resistant isolates, 1 was shown to carry the mcr-1 gene by PCR. Whole-genome sequencing indicated that mcr-1 was located on a ∼13 kb-long contig that was almost identical to the corresponding part in pZJ1635, an IncI2 plasmid encoding mcr-1 in the same genetic context in another E. coli strain. In addition, ATAVET mcr-1 Turkey harbored bla(CTX-M-8), qnrB19, mdf(A), tet(A), sul2, aph(3″)-Ib, aph(6)-Id, and floR resistance genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on whole genome and multilocus sequence typing indicated that ATAVET mcr-1 Turkey was more closely related to mcr-1 carrying E. coli isolates from food and human clinical samples previously reported from different parts of the world than to those from Turkey. These findings further emphasize the worldwide emergence and spread of mcr meditated colistin resistance in bacteria with zoonotic potential within animals and the food chain.202132721263
173260.9997High Carriage Rate of the Multiple Resistant Plasmids Harboring Quinolone Resistance Genes in Enterobacter spp. Isolated from Healthy Individuals. Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria causing intractable and even fatal infections are a major health concern. Resistant bacteria residing in the intestinal tract of healthy individuals present a silent threat because of frequent transmission via conjugation and transposition. Plasmids harboring quinolone resistance genes are increasingly detected in clinical isolates worldwide. Here, we investigated the molecular epidemiology of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) in Gram-negative bacteria from healthy service trade workers. From 157 rectal swab samples, 125 ciprofloxacin-resistant strains, including 112 Escherichia coli, 10 Klebsiella pneumoniae, two Proteus mirabilis, and one Citrobacter braakii, were isolated. Multiplex PCR screening identified 39 strains harboring the PMQR genes (including 17 qnr,19 aac(6')-Ib-cr, and 22 oqxA/oqxB). The genome and plasmid sequences of 39 and 31 strains, respectively, were obtained by short- and long-read sequencing. PMQR genes mainly resided in the IncFIB, IncFII, and IncR plasmids, and coexisted with 3-11 other resistance genes. The high PMQR gene carriage rate among Gram-negative bacteria isolated from healthy individuals suggests the high-frequency transmission of these genes via plasmids, along with other resistance genes. Thus, healthy individuals may spread antibiotic-resistant bacterial, highlighting the need for improved monitoring and control of the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes in healthy individuals.202135052892
152670.9997Carbapenem resistance determinants and their transmissibility among clinically isolated Enterobacterales in Lebanon. BACKGROUND: The occurrence of carbapenem-resistant bacterial infections has increased significantly over the years with Gram-negative bacteria exhibiting the broadest resistance range. In this study we aimed to investigate the genomic characteristics of clinical carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE). METHODS: Seventeen representative multi-drug resistant (MDR) isolates from a hospital setting showing high level of resistance to carbapenems (ertapenem, meropenem and imipenem) were chosen for further characterization through whole-genome sequencing. Resistance mechanisms and transferability of plasmids carrying carbapenemase-encoding genes were also determined in silico and through conjugative mating assays. RESULTS: We detected 18 different β-lactamases, including four carbapenemases (bla(NDM-1), bla(NDM-5), bla(NDM-7), bla(OXA-48)) on plasmids with different Inc groups. The combined results from PBRT and in silico replicon typing revealed 20 different replicons linked to plasmids ranging in size between 80 and 200 kb. The most prevalent Inc groups were IncFIB(K) and IncM. OXA-48, detected on 76-kb IncM1 conjugable plasmid, was the most common carbapenemase. We also detected other conjugative plasmids with different carbapenemases confirming the role of horizontal gene transfer in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance genes. CONCLUSION: Our findings verified the continuing spread of carbapenemases in Enterobacterales and revealed the types of mobile elements circulating in a hospital setting and contributing to the spread of resistance determinants. The occurrence and transmission of plasmids carrying carbapenemase-encoding genes call for strengthening active surveillance and prevention efforts to control antimicrobial resistance dissemination in healthcare settings.202337871361
151480.9997Widespread prevalence and molecular epidemiology of tet(X4) and mcr-1 harboring Escherichia coli isolated from chickens in Pakistan. The emergence and spread of plasmid-mediated tigecycline resistance gene tet(X4) and colistin resistance gene mcr-1 in Escherichia coli (E. coli) pose a potential threat to public health, due to the importance of colistin and tigecycline for treating serious clinical infections. However, the characterization of bacteria coharboring both genes was few reported. Here, we described the molecular epidemiology of tet(X4) and mcr-1 harboring E. coli strains of chicken origin in Pakistan, with methods including PCR, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, DNA transfer assays, plasmid replicon typing, whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. The tet(X4) gene was identified in 36 isolates exhibiting high levels of tigecycline resistance (MICs, 16-128 mg/L). Worryingly, 24 of the 36 tet(X4)-bearing isolates were confirmed as colistin resistance, positive for plasmid-borne mcr-1. We observed the prevalence of tet(X4)-bearing IncFII plasmid with mcr-1-bearing IncI2 plasmid in 12 E. coli isolates, with a high co-transfer frequency except for one strain PK8233, in which tet(X4)- and mcr-1-bearing plasmids were non-transferable. Coexistence of tet(X4)-bearing IncFII plasmid with mcr-1-carrying multidrug-resistant (MDR) IncHI2 plasmid was also identified in 10 E. coli isolates, and a relatively low co-transfer frequency was obtained except PK8575, in which mcr-1 was non-transferable. The transferability of pPK8275-tetX in PK8275 and pPK8233-tetX in PK8233, that could transfer from E. coli J53 to C600 by conjugation, was interfered by certain factors in PK8275 and PK8233. This may provide new insights to prevent and control the spread of antibiotic resistance genes. Two strains were reported to co-carry tet(X4)-positive IncQ1 plasmid and mcr-1-positive IncI2 plasmid. Convergence of tet(X4) and mcr-1 genes in E. coli by conjugative or mobilizable plasmids may lead to potentially widespread transmission of such resistance genes, which may incur antibiotic-resistance crisis globally.202234599956
151290.9997Emergence of novel tigecycline resistance gene tet(X5) variant in multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter indicus of swine farming environments. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are emerging all the time, but the continued emergence of novel resistance genes and genetic structures is even more alarming. Tigecycline is currently the important last barrier in the treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections. tet(X), a resistance gene to tigecycline, is the most prevalent and constantly emerging novel variants. In this research, we characterized two MDR Acinetobacter indicus strains to tigecycline that were identified and analyzed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing, conjugation transfer, whole genome sequencing (WGS) and bioinformatics analysis, and gene function analysis. The results showed that three tet(X) variants were carried in BDT201, including tet(X6) on the chromosome, tet(X3) on the plasmid pBDT201-2, and a novel tet(X5) variant adjacent to the ISAba1 elements on the plasmid pBDT201-3. The novel Tet(X5) variant showed 98.7% amino acid identity with Tet(X5) and was named Tet(X5.4). By expressing tet(X5.4) gene, the tigecycline minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for Escherichia coli JM109 increased 32- fold (from 0.13 to 4 mg/L). BDT2076 contained tigecycline and carbapenems resistance genes, such as tet(X3), bla(OXA-58), bla(NDM-3), and bla(CARB-2). The continuous emergence of MDR bacteria and resistance genes is a global environmental health issue that can not be ignored and therefore needs to pay more urgent attention to it.202337531842
1858100.9997Molecular Characteristics of Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence in Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains Isolated from Goose Farms in Hainan, China. We retrospectively investigated 326 samples that were collected from goose farms in Hainan Province, China, in 2017. A total of 33 carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) isolates were identified from 326 samples, and the 33 CRKP isolates were characterized based on whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data from the Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) platforms. All of these 33 CRKP isolates possessed bla(NDM-5), and a single isolate coharbored mcr-1 and bla(NDM-5), while 4 isolates carried multiple virulence and metal tolerance gene clusters. One CRKP strain (CMG-35-2) was selected for long sequence reading. A hybrid plasmid carrying the virulence, resistance, and metal resistance gene in the strain was found. It possessed 2 backbones [IncFIB(K)-IncFII(K)] within a single plasmid that were closely related to K. pneumoniae plasmids from a human-associated habitat in the United States and from a human isolate in Hong Kong. A mouse abdominal infection model indicated that that strain was of the moderate virulence phenotype. This study revealed that K. pneumoniae on goose farms is an important reservoir for bla(NDM-5) and these bacteria are represented by a diversity of sequence types. The heterozygous multiple drug resistance genes carried on plasmids highlighted the genetic complexity of CRKP and the urgent need for continued active surveillance. IMPORTANCE CRKP is one of the most important pathogens, which can cause infection not only in humans but also in waterfowl. The discovery of bla(NDM-5)-producing K. pneumoniae in waterfowl farms in recent years suggests that waterfowl are an important reservoir for bla(NDM-5)-producing Enterobacteriaceae. However, there are few studies on the spread of bla(NDM-5)-producing bacteria in waterfowl farms. Our study showed that the IncX3 plasmid carrying bla(NDM-5) in goose farms is widely present in K. pneumoniae isolates and a large number of resistance genes are accumulated in it. We found a transferable IncFIB-FII hybrid plasmid that combines virulence, resistance, and metal resistance genes, which allow transfer of these traits between bacteria in different regions. The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of the prevalence and transmission of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae in goose farms.202235389252
1524110.9997Characterization of a Novel mcr-8.2-Bearing Plasmid in ST395 Klebsiella pneumoniae of Chicken Origin. The emergence of mobile colistin resistance mcr genes undermines the efficacy of colistin as the last-resort drug for multi-drug resistance infections and constitutes a great public health concern. Plasmids play a critical role in the transmission of mcr genes among bacteria. One colistin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strain of chicken origin was collected and analyzed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing, PCR, conjugation assay and S1-PFGE. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) approach combining Illumina and MinION platforms was utilized to decipher the underlying colistin resistance mechanism and genetic context. A novel mcr-8.2-bearing plasmid p2019036D-mcr8-345kb with 345 655 bp in size encoding various resistance genes including floR, sul1, aadA16, aadA2, bla (CTX-M-27), bla (DHA-1), tet(D), dfrA12 and qnrB4 was identified responsible for the colistin resistance phenotype. Plasmid comparison has shown that the mcr-8.2-bearing plasmid differed from other reported plasmids positive for mcr-8.2 but shared the same core mcr-8.2-bearing conserved region. This study demonstrates the emergence of mcr-8.2-bearing K. pneumoniae of animal origin is a potential risk to humans.202032606828
884120.9997Fecal carriage and molecular epidemiology of mcr-1-harboring Escherichia coli from children in southern China. BACKGROUND: The increase of multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae bacteria has led to the reintroduction of colistin for clinical treatments, and colistin has become a last resort for infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. Enterobacteriaceae bacteria carrying the mcr-1 gene are majorly related to colistin resistance, which may be the main reason for the continued increase in the colistin resistance rate of Enterobacteriaceae. The study aimed to investigate the sequence type and prevalence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) harboring the mcr-1 gene in the gut flora of children in southern China. METHODS: Fecal samples (n = 2632) of children from three medical centers in Guangzhou were cultured for E. coli. The mcr-1-harboring isolates were screened via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The colistin resistance transfer frequency was studied by conjugation experiments. DNA sequencing data of seven housekeeping genes were used for multi-locus sequence typing analysis (MLST). RESULTS: PCR indicated that 21 of the 2632 E. coli (0.80%) isolates were positive for mcr-1; these strains were resistant to colistin. Conjugation experiments indicated that 18 mcr-1-harboring isolates could transfer colistin resistance phenotypes to E. coli J53. MLST analysis revealed that the 21 isolates were divided into 18 sequence types (STs); E. coli ST69 was the most common (14.3%), followed by E. coli ST58 (9.5%). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate the colonization dynamics and molecular epidemiology of E. coli harboring mcr-1 in the gut flora of children in southern China. The mcr-1 gene can be horizontally transmitted within species; hence, it is necessary to monitor bacteria that harbor mcr-1 in children.202337196369
1733130.9997Dissemination and Comparison of Genetic Determinants of mcr-Mediated Colistin Resistance in Enterobacteriaceae via Retailed Raw Meat Products. The global food chain may significantly promote the dissemination of bacteria resistant to antibiotics around the world. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence and genetic characteristics of Enterobacteriaceae with mcr-mediated colistin (CT) resistance in retail meat of different origins. Bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family carrying the mcr-1 gene were detected in 21% (18/86) of the examined samples, especially in turkey meat and liver originating from EU and non-EU countries (19%) and in rabbit meat imported from China (2%). The examined samples of the meat and liver of chicken and other poultry and of pork and beef were negative for the presence of bacteria carrying the mcr-1 to mcr-5 genes. A huge number of isolates belonging to Escherchia coli (n = 54), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 6), and Citrobacter braakii (n = 1) carrying the mcr-1 gene were obtained. Despite the high heterogeneity of the tested isolates, the mcr-1 gene was localized on only three types of plasmids (IncX4, IncHI2, and IncI2). The most frequent type of plasmid was IncX4, which carried the mcr-1 gene in 77% of E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates from turkey meat and liver samples from the Czechia, Germany, Poland, and Brazil. Our findings indicate highly probable interspecies transfer of IncX4 and IncI2 plasmids within one meat sample. The co-resistance of plasmid-mediated CT resistance encoded by the mcr-1 and ESBL genes was detected in 18% of the isolates. Another noteworthy finding was the fosA3 gene coding for fosfomycin resistance in a multidrug-resistant isolate of E. coli from rabbit meat imported from China. The observed high level of Enterobacteriaceae with plasmids carrying the mcr-1 gene in retail meat reflects the need for Europe-wide monitoring of mcr-mediated CT resistance throughout the whole food chain.201931921017
1891140.9997Emergence of plasmid-mediated fosfomycin resistance among Escherichia coli harboring fosA4, tet(X4), and mcr-1 genes in wild birds. Fosfomycin represents a last-line reserve antibiotic for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Nevertheless, the advent of plasmid-mediated fosfomycin resistance among bacteria from humans and food animals incurs great concern. This study reports the detection and genomic portrait of the plasmid-mediated fosfomycin resistance gene, fosA4, amid Escherichia coli from wild birds co-harboring plasmid-mediated tigecycline resistance gene, tet(X4), and colistin resistance gene, mcr-1. A total of 100 samples from fecal droppings of wild birds in the urban parks in Faisalabad, Pakistan were subjected for the isolation and characterization of fosfomycin-resistant E. coli. The fosA4 gene was identified in 11 (11%) of the E. coli isolates, and all exhibited an MDR phenotype. Genome sequencing confirmed that all the fosA4-positive isolates also co-harbored the mobile tigecycline resistance tet(X4) gene on a large MDR IncFII plasmid. One isolate PKF8 belonging to ST48 also co-carried the colistin resistance gene mcr-1 on the IncHI2 plasmid. To the extent of our knowledge, this is the first discovery of E. coli isolates in wild birds co-harboring the mcr-1, fosA4, and tet(X4) genes. The emergence of these pivotal antimicrobial resistance genes in wild birds native to South Asia with their close association to humans and animals is alarming. Our findings highlight the urgent need for further surveillance of bacterial resistance to last-resort antibiotics in the clinics, animal farming, and environment with the One Health approach. IMPORTANCE: The global spread of the plasmid-mediated fosfomycin resistance gene fosA4 bearing Escherichia coli strains incurs a public health concern. However, research focusing on the pervasiveness of fosA4-positive isolates in wild birds is still rare, and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first documentation from South Asia highlighting the concurrent presence of the fosA4, mcr-1, and tet(X4) genes within E. coli isolates recovered from fecal samples of wild birds in Pakistan. This co-existence of ARGs along with phylogenetic analysis revealed that MDR plasmids carried by E. coli isolates have the ability to spread horizontally between wild birds, food animals, and humans. Co-existence of fosA4, tet(X4), and mcr-1-carrying plasmids is worrying and warrants further investigation.202540079598
1522150.9997Emergence of Klebsiella variicola positive for NDM-9, a variant of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase, in an urban river in South Korea. OBJECTIVES: To examine the presence of pathogenic bacteria carrying New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase in the environment and to characterize the genome structures of these strains. METHODS: Phenotypic screening of antimicrobial susceptibility and WGS were conducted on three Klebsiella variicola strains possessing NDM-9 isolated from an urban river. RESULTS: Three carbapenem-resistant K. variicola isolated from Gwangju tributary were found to possess bla NDM-9 genes. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing indicated resistance of these strains to aminoglycosides, carbapenems, cephems, folate pathway inhibitors, fosfomycin and penicillins, but susceptibility to fluoroquinolones, phenicols, tetracyclines and miscellaneous agents. WGS revealed that the 108 kb IncFII(Y)-like plasmids carry bla NDM-9 sandwiched between IS 15 for the GJ1 strain, IS 26 for the GJ2 strain, IS 15D1 for the GJ3 strain and IS Vsa3 , and further bracketed by IS 26 and Tn AS3 along with the mercury resistance operon upstream and the class 1 integron composed of gene cassettes of aadA2 , dfrA12 and sul1 downstream. An aph(3')-Ia gene conferring resistance to aminoglycosides is located after the integrons. Chromosomally encoded bla LEN-13 , fosA , aqxA and oqxB genes, as well as plasmid-mediated bla TEM-1B and bla CTX-M-65 encoding ESBL, ant(3')-Ia and mph (A) genes, were also identified. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study provide us with the information that NDM-9 has been spreading into the environment. Dissemination of NDM-9 in the environment has raised a health risk alarm as this variant of NDM carries MDR genes with highly transferable mobile genetic elements, increasing the possibility of resistance gene transfer among microorganisms in the environment.201728087584
888160.9997Identification of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase 1 in Acinetobacter lwoffii of food animal origin. BACKGROUND: To investigate the presence of metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) genes and the genetic environment of the New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase gene bla(NDM-1) in bacteria of food animal origin. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Gram-negative bacteria with low susceptibility to imipenem (MIC>8 µg/mL) were isolated from swab samples collected from 15 animal farms and one slaughterhouse in eastern China. These bacteria were selected for phenotypic and molecular detection of known MBL genes and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. For the bla(NDM-1) positive isolate, conjugation and transformation experiments were carried out to assess plasmid transfer. Southern blotting was conducted to localize the bla(NDM-1) genes, and DNA sequencing was performed to determine the sequences of bla(NDM-1) and the flanking genes. In total, nine gram-negative bacteria of four different species presented a MBL phenotype. bla(NDM-1) was identified on a mobile plasmid named pAL-01 in an Acinetobacter lwoffii isolate of chicken origin. Transfer of pAL-01 from this isolate to E. coli J53 and JM109 resulted in resistance to multiple β-lactams. Sequence analysis revealed that the bla(NDM-1) gene is attached to an intact insertion element ISAba125, whose right inverted repeat (IR-R) overlaps with the promoter sequence of bla(NDM-1). Thus, insertion of ISAba125 likely enhances the expression of bla(NDM-1). CONCLUSION: The identification of a bla(NDM-1)- carrying strain of A. lwoffii in chickens suggests the potential for zoonotic transmission of bla(NDM-1) and has important implications for food safety.201222629360
1887170.9997Complete Genetic Analysis of Plasmids Carrying mcr-1 and Other Resistance Genes in Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli Isolates from Diseased Chickens in Anhui Province in China. Antimicrobial resistance associated with colistin has emerged as a significant concern worldwide, threatening the use of one of the most important antimicrobials for treating human disease. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of colistin-resistant avian-pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) and shed light on the possibility of transmission of mcr-1 (mobilized colistin resistance)-positive APEC. A total of 72 APEC isolates from Anhui Province in China were collected between March 2017 and December 2018 and screened for the mcr-1 gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the broth dilution method. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, Southern blot analysis, and conjugation assay were performed to determine the location and conjugative ability of the mcr-1 gene. Whole-genome sequencing and analysis were performed using Illumina MiSeq and Nanopore MinION platforms. Three APEC isolates (AH25, AH62, and AH65) were found to be positive for the mcr-1 gene and showed multidrug resistance. The mcr-1 genes were located on IncI2 plasmids, and conjugation assays revealed that these plasmids were transferrable. Notably, strains AH62 and AH65, both belonging to ST1788, were collected from different places but carried the same drug resistance genes and shared highly similar plasmids. This study highlights the potential for a possible epidemic of mcr-1-positive APEC and the urgent need for continuous active monitoring.IMPORTANCE In this study, three plasmids carrying mcr-1 were isolated and characterized from APEC isolates from Anhui Province in China. The mcr-1 genes were located on IncI2 plasmids, and these plasmids were transferrable. These three IncI2 plasmids had high homology with the plasmids harbored by pathogenic bacteria isolated from other species. This finding showed that IncI2 plasmids poses a risk for the exchange of genetic material between different niches. Although colistin has been banned for use in food-producing animals in China, the coexistence of the broad-spectrum β-lactamase and mcr-1 genes on a plasmid can also lead to the stable existence of mcr-1 genes. The findings illustrated the need to improve the monitoring of drug resistance in poultry systems so as to curb the transmission or persistence of multidrug-resistant bacteria.202133853876
1629180.9997Molecular detection of colistin resistance genes (mcr-1 to mcr-5) in human vaginal swabs. OBJECTIVE: Colistin resistance has emerged worldwide and has been threatening the efficacy of one of the last-resort antimicrobials used for treatment of multidrug resistant Gram-negative bacteria. While five colistin resistance genes (mcr-1, mcr-2, mcr-3, mcr-4 and mcr-5) have been described, few data are available on the prevalence of mcr-genes other than mcr-1 in human samples. RESULTS: In this study, the presence of five currently described colistin resistance genes (mcr 1-5) in vaginal swabs of women undergoing infertility evaluation was reported. Most samples were found to be positive for the mcr-4 (12.7%), followed by two for the mcr-2 (1.5%), two for the mcr-3 (1.5%), one for the mcr-1 (0.7%), and one for the mcr-5 (0.7%). Phylogenetic comparison demonstrated identical (mcr-1, mcr-2, mcr-3, mcr-5) or similar (mcr-4) nucleotide sequences of human samples and those of animal origins from the same city, suggesting the potential transmission of mcr genes from animals to humans. This is the first detection of mcr-2, mcr-4 and mcr-5 genes in human samples, and warrants further research to determine the spread of the mcr genes and elucidate the full epidemiology of colistin resistance genes in humans.201829463301
1527190.9997Emergence of an Escherichia coli strain co-harbouring mcr-1 and bla(NDM-9) from a urinary tract infection in Taiwan. OBJECTIVES: Multidrug-resistant bacteria have become a serious threat worldwide. In particular, the coexistence of carbapenemase genes and mcr-1 leaves few available treatment options. Here we report a multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolate harbouring both mcr-1 and bla(NDM-9) from a patient with a urinary tract infection. METHODS: Antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance genes of the E. coli isolate were characterised. Furthermore, the assembled genome sequences of mcr-1- and bla(NDM-9)-carrying plasmids were determined and comparative genetic analysis with closely related plasmids was carried out. RESULTS: Three contigs were assembled comprising the E. coli chromosome and two plasmids harbouring mcr-1 (p5CRE51-MCR-1) and bla(NDM-9) (p5CRE51-NDM-9), respectively. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the two antimicrobial resistance genes are located on individual plasmids. CONCLUSIONS: The emergence of coexistence of carbapenemase genes and mcr-1 in Enterobacteriaceae highlights a serious threat to antimicrobial therapy.201930312830